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Provinces of South Africa
There are nine provinces in South Africa, each with its own administrative capital and its own unique attractions. The provinces (with provincial capital city) have been listed below, though the capital city is not necessarily the biggest or most attractive city in the province.
| Eastern Cape | Free State | Gauteng |
| Kwa-Zulu Natal | Limpopo | Mpumalanga |
| Northern Cape | North West | Western Cape |
This captivating province holds a different kind of beauty in its contrasting terrain and demographic split; it also holds a historical legacy that continues the traditional way of life, of the Xhosa people, in some of the most rural parts of the province. Its vivid landscapes along the southern coastline are exquisite.
The central province of South Africa, the Free State province is home to thriving agricultural production, an impressive array of wildlife, rocky outcrops and scenic mountain ranges. Vast open grasslands, powerful summer thunderstorms and the famous Golden Gate National Park are just some of the great reasons to head to the Free State for a grand country wedding.
The place to be for innovative modernisation and a vibrant call to big city life, it’s the thriving business centre of South Africa’s developing economy and the home of first-class educational institutions. It also has an impressive art and culture scene and some of the highest service standards in the country. This urban jungle also boasts excellent private game reserves and sought-after countryside wedding venues outside of the cities, upmarket dining and entertainment options and plenty of shopping and tourist activities to keep you occupied.
Kwa-Zulu Natal (Pietermaritzburg)
The east coast province of sunshine, beautiful beaches, the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, open farmland, the must-see Midlands Meander just outside Pietermaritzburg, a Zulu heritage and a friendly temperament. The warm beach city of Durban provides a coastal centre of trade and culture and the province becomes increasingly more rural as you move away from the Durban metropolitan area towards the provincial borders. Big city wedding suppliers are well-equipped and wedding venue locations are varied and abundant; from grand country hotel estates to beach-side wedding halls, planning a wedding here is bound to be easy.
Limpopo province, named after the famous Limpopo River, is the northern-most province of South Africa. Its attractions include the world-famous Kruger National Park (northern gates) with the amazing Big 5, as well as the stunning Waterberg region where you can hike and explore this interesting mountainous region. There are also legendary prehistoric sites to captivate the imagination of Limpopo’s visitors. It’s perfect for a safari-style backdrop or that rustic-style wedding in the wild mountains.
This beautiful province in the north boasts canyons, caves, superb game reserves and a host of luxury game lodges; its most prominent attraction being the world-famous Kruger National Park, which contains The Big 5 and a plethora of other natural treasures.
A hot and dry province with deep roots in Mother Africa, the Northern Cape holds the gateway to Kimberley (the city of diamond mining), more beautiful wildlife and of course, the stunning Namaqua fields of springtime flowers in September. It also boasts the amazing Kalagadi Transfrontier Park and the majestic Augrabies falls.
South Africa is a brilliant collection of all things African and the best choice for a destination wedding with rhythm and flair. It’s a little slice of heaven on earth.
A year round sunny climate and a peaceful, laid-back vibe gives North West province a certain appeal. Full of history, it is bound by its rich heritage and offers the acclaimed casino, resort and home to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, Sun City, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve (also a Big 5 destination) and the magnificent Hartbeespoort Dam.
The home of the world-renowned “Mother City,” Cape Town, the Western Cape is known for its stunning natural beauty, as well as its artistic flair and impressive amount of tourist attractions. From Table Mountain to the wine routes, the notorious Robben Island prison and the adored V&A waterfront; Cape Town and its surrounding cities are in one of the more world-renowned parts of South Africa.
South Africa is a brilliant collection of all things African and the best choice for a destination wedding with rhythm and flair. It’s a little slice of heaven on earth.
Find out more about getting married in South Africa in our South African Wedding Guide or visit our South African Wedding Directory to start planning your dream wedding.
